SWM5121 Criminology and social work

This unit introduces you to the field of forensic and criminal justice social work.  It focuses on contemporary research, theories and practice approaches required for working effectively with involuntary clients in the criminal justice system.  You will critically examine the impact of social structure and policy on justice-involved groups, particularly in relation to understanding and responding to the causal factors of overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the criminal justice system. You will also examine the competing philosophies and dominant organisational discourses of the various agencies operating in the criminal justice context, in relationship to the goals and actions of social work.  The unit will also provide you with an opportunity to apply your developing social work practice skills to simulated practice scenarios related to effective practice with involuntary clients in criminal justice.